Equine FAQs new

Where can I buy Impact Gel products?

We sell our products on our website and other online channels. We also have authorized dealers with physical locations throughout the United States. Call our office for help locating a dealer in your area.

Impact Gel pads have two distinct benefits that out-perform our competitors. Impact Gel pads are unsurpassed in relieving pressure points caused by a poor fitting saddle – a major cause of white spots. We are also unequaled in dissipating energy that is normally transferred onto the horse. The benefit from this is the animal stays fresher longer and performs better.

Simply stated, no. Impact Gel is not a liquid and does not move within the pad. While we speak of it being a gel, it starts out in a liquid form, then it is poured into a sealed bladder. It sets into a semi-solid state within minutes. If the pad were to be punctured or cut, nothing would leak from the pad. The gel bladder is glued into position between the layers and then reinforced with stitching to eliminate movement.

Currently, Impact Gel makes a contour pad with an anti-slip material on the bottom called tacky tack. This is a special order item and costs a bit more because of the difficulty in the sewing process. These options are available only on our contour or western straight back pads.

Our best pads for wicking away moisture is our woven line. These pads are constructed with hand woven, decorative, 100% wool tops and wool fleece lining or felt lining. We also offer the XT Lite Contour pads with a perforated Impact Gel bladder to improve breathability.

We do not currently offer a line for trick riders.

We can create custom patches or wear leathers with laser designs. Also, custom materials (wear leathers, fringes, etc) can be used in the creation of the pad if they are sent to us. Additional fees may apply for customization. Find out more about custom pads by calling our office!

First, turn the pad over and take a stiff brush or curry comb over the pad to loosen the dirt and hair. It is a personal preference as to whether an equine cleaning solution is used. If using a cleaning solution, apply it at this time and work it into the pad with a brush. Second, take a regular garden hose on a high setting (for more water pressure) and wash from the center line out, moving the dirt and hair outward. It is important if an equine cleaning solution is used that all of the solution is rinsed away. Then, allow the pad to air dry. If cleaning is an issue, simply put a light blanket under the pad in order to keep it clean. We recommend thorough cleaning at least twice a month, but this may depend on how often you ride. Proper cleaning is important as it extends the life of the pad.

Our Horse Trax average two shoeings. This depends upon the length of time you go between changing shoes and what type of surface your horse is running on. We have customers (i.e. mounted police, endurance riders, Amish carriages) using pads worn on horses that are constantly on hard rock-asphalt surfaces. On average, that type of riding is only one pair per shoeing. Other users have reported that they can use the same pair for three shoeings. The most important thing is to change them as soon as you see any compromise in the integrity of the pad. We also do not recommend using any packing material under the pad, which limits the ability for our product to do its job and hinders the ability of the hoof to breathe effectively.

We came out with our leg care line briefly and have since sold out. We are now working with several manufacturers on perfecting a new design.

The discipline and purpose largely determines the thickness you need. As a general rule, our 3/4" pad is the most universal and will suit most riders perfectly. If you ride for extended periods or if excess pressure is applied from roping or steer wrestling, for example, you will generally need a thicker 1" pad. For saddles that are custom fit or contest horses where weight and time are of concern, our 1/2" pad or XT pads are very popular.

Measure the length of the saddle from front to back and add 3 to 4 inches for correct saddle fit. You should have at least a 1 to 1.5 inch clearance in both the front and back of the saddle for proper fit.

This is common and we have several solutions. Impact Gel offers a build-up pad, perfect for horses with a prominent wither or for geriatric horses with a diminishing top line. Horses age and their needs will change as their body shapes do!

We also offer a Bridge Pad as an accessory to fill the void along the top line that causes the saddle to “bridge” over the hips and shoulders. It’s a great solution for horses that are more challenging to fit.

Thin is in! Ride in a thinner pad to best utilize saddle fit. The tree of the saddle will “seat” in the gel, creating better contact between the saddle tree and your horse’s back to prevent preventing listing and rolling.

Our Set Back pad offers a build up behind the wither to elevate the saddle tree off the scapula and provide better range of motion for horses more squarely made.

We offer Grey, Black, and Tan wool in our Classic Contour work pads. In addition, we offer several distinctive color choices and patterns in our saddle blanket line.

Whether you order felt or fleece is purely a matter of personal preference. Although the felt is generally much easier to clean, fleece does provide more grip (friction) for riders competing in contest classes, steer wrestling and roping.